Why building in the ‘settlement blocs’ is problematic

What We’re Reading

Occupation/Human rights

“Unchecked, unhindered construction in settlement blocs means that the Israeli government and the settlers will be given carte blanche to define, unilaterally, what the “blocs” are, to determine what they will annex in the future, making a mockery of future negotiations over settlements and borders,” writes Ori Nir.

B’Tselem’s investigation and analysis indicates that these incidents were made possible by an open-fire policy that permits both shooting to kill in instances defined as “incidents of assault” and a trigger-happy approach to demonstrations or stone-throwing. This policy, which is broadly supported by senior officials, conveys profound disregard for the lives of Palestinians.

Settlers threw stones at the activists, who belong to the Ta’ayush organization, and tried to hit them with clubs near the Baladim outpost. Four of the activists were lightly hurt, according to a complaint filed with the police.

US-Israel relations

US President Donald Trump will host Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House on May 3 for talks on efforts to revive the Middle East peace process, the White House said Wednesday.

“This resolution targets a hypocrisy in the position of the national Democratic Party…which says it supports a two-state solution, but gives huge aid and backing to Israel and very little to Palestinians,” said Cole Harrison, the executive director of Massachusetts Peace Action and a Democratic activist.

Tomato prices in Israel are skyrocketing. And yet, there’s a simple, attainable and immediate solution that could provide the Israeli market with an abundance of high-quality vegetables as early as tomorrow: expanding the marketing of produce from the Gaza Strip to Israel.